I had the opportunity to visit the 911 Memorial. The memorial commemorates the September 11 attacks in 2001 and stand in the same location where the World Trade Center stood. The experience was very solemn.

We stood in silence for over an hour and crossed several lines and check points. Once we entered the memorial we walked through the park full of walkways and trees. The memorial plans to install 400 oak trees in stages and symbolize hope, rebirth, renewal and resilence. The trees will eventually grow to 80 ft in height and will also provide environmental benefits to Manhattan. We also walked through the paths of the twin memorial pools where the WTC twin towers once stood and read the names of victims who lost their lives.

Towards the end of our tour we visited the survivor tree, which withstood the 9/11 attacks. The callery pear tree was found among the rubble of the WTC and was badly burned, but still had a live branch. The tree was nursed back to life at the NYC Parks and Recreation and returned to the 911 memorial site in time for the grand opening.

Today on the anniversary of September 11 we honor the memory and service of all men and women who lost their lives and the families affected by this event. We also honor the men and women and families who protect our freedom.